Technology can play an important role for it, he said. The President also laid emphasis on conducting research activities in universities across the country.

Mukherjee asked students of the university to conduct innovative research on border trade opportunities and ways to integrate northeast economy with the national and global economies, among other, to help in the region's development.

"Arunachal Pradesh is on the threshold of a major transformation. Economic sectors, especially hydro-electric power and tourism, have immense potential to drive the

economic development of this state and which can be an engine of growth in this beautiful state. Education has to be a facilitator to this change," Mukherjee said in his address.

He said there is scope for conducting innovative research in northeast India, a region rich in natural resources and biodiversity, and this (Rajiv Gandhi) university must

prioritize the fields of research that it wishes to undertake.

"You must carry out inter-disciplinary research on natural resource management.

"You must conduct research on challenges to hill economy, conflict between traditional and modern institutions, border trade opportunities and integration of the northeast economy with the national and global economies," he said addressing

the students.

Mukherjee, who had arrived here on his maiden visit to the state after becoming the President, praised Arunachal Pradesh for its natural beauty.

The President congratulated the students who were awarded degrees and gold medals for their meritorious performance and asked them to help less fortunate brethren of the society by educating them.

"There are many who do not even get an occasion to enter the portals of colleges or universities in this country. The society, which has invested in your education, can

legitimately expect a due dividend from you.

"You can pay this dividend by helping your less fortunate brethren. You can shape the destiny of our nation by your drive, initiative and ingenuity," the President added.

Rajiv Gandhi University, formerly Arunachal University, is one of the premier institutes in this far off region of northeast India to provide engineering, economics, life sciences, medical and management education, among others.

Former Prime Minister late Indira Gandhi had on February 4, 1984 laid the foundation stone for the university situated at Rono Hills, Doimukh under Papumpare district, about 35 kms from Itanagar.